I've got a 728i E38 '96 BMW. I stupidly purchased a set of original BMW 18" 15- multispoke alloys which I was assured would fit - I drove 200 miles to pick 'em up, tried the back only - and aggghhh!!! On getting home and fitting the fronts I find they foul on the callipers. I guess I could fit a spacer but have no idea where to start or what effect it would have on the handling. Please help........!!!!!!
(a link to a pic of the wheels appears below)
ebay2.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_02886e0feabd1be6...G
|
Foggy
Wheel offset is the distance between the rim centre line and the face of the wheel that fits against the hub. You can get this information from your instruction book (it's under 'approved wheels and tyres') or look on the wheels themselves. For example the wheels on my 3-series show 7J x 15 IS 47 cast in near the hub. I'm asuming this last figure is the offset, since, according to the book, these wheels have a 47mm offset. The various wheel options for the car vary between 42 and 47 mm. You are best keeping close to the original spec for the car, or it starts to affect load on the steering and suspension. So, by looking at the wheels, you should be able to compare offset of original and replacement wheels
That said, offset is not really the problem you have. Even if the wheels you have bought have the right offset, they appear to be designed for another BMW model with different hub and brake calliper design, which is what's causing the fouling. Thin spacers may be an option, but watch out for what that does to the effective offset. I certainly wouldn't recommend thick spacers.
Regards
John S
|
Thanks for the reply John. I believe the whels are from a later (year 99 onwards) 7 series, still an E38 model. The calliper doesnt foul at the top of the wheel but on the outside face. The problem appears to be the wheels have too great an offset (ie the block which the hub butts against doesnt protrude out enough from the wheel face) - hence spacers would in effect push the wheel away form the calliper. I just don't know where to start.
Alternatively if anyone if interested I have an immaculate set of Year 2000 BMW 7 series 15 spoke 18" alloys for sale at just £800 including excellent tyres (one slightly worn, the others practically brand new!)!!! The tyres alone are worth more than this!!!!!
Have a look at the pic link above if you're interested; alternatively if you cna help me further with getting these things to fit on my '96 728 I'll love you forever whoever you are!!!!
|
the wider the spacer the more you will increase bump steer and other undesirable effects which will reduce your driving enjoyment etc etc etc.
How thick do you estimate the spacers would have to be to get clearance.
Personal opinion only, but I don't like spacers, full stop rule off.
|
|
|
Foggy
I see what you are saying. However I must repeat that that wheel offset is a dimensional property of wheel design, and not a function of clearance in any particular application. It seems that these wheels simply do not suit your car, even though they come from another BMW. I think you've been unlucky, but these things can happen. You'd need to think very carefully before you used spacers (I'd agree with FiF on this) because there is a very clear mismatch, and as these wheels are clearly not designed for your car they may well have other dimensional problems such as fouling of tyres on full lock etc.
Overall I think you'd be better selling them and buying again, with the benefit of this transaction behind you.
Regards
John S
|
Guys,
Thanks for all your help. i'm going to go with John S and sell the wheels - they're beuatiful but meant for the E46 3 Series. Anyone interested the details are :
Details....Part No ............Size.......Offset....Tyres Fitted
Front......85329 408697... 8x18......47mm....225/40 ZR18
Rear......85329 408698... 8.5x18....50mm....255/35 ZR18
Tyres range in tread depth from good to like new - only one tyre is slightly worn on the shoulder
A pic of the tyres can be seen at:
ebay2.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_02886e0feabd1be6...G
£850 no offers
Just reply to post or look under the classifieds forum for my contact details
|
Foggy,
Sorry to hear about your Wheel episode - The 18' Radial 32 wheels do suit the 7 series really well.
IIRC, the ones for the 7 series are..
Front, Part No-85329 409952, size 8X18
Rear, Part No-85329 409953, size 9X18
Good Luck
Chad.R
|
|
|
|
|
![2024 Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI [150] Sportline 4x4 5dr DSG](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/url/crop/90x60/https/cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/cacd0f5bae63c827284f9e933b3536cc/501edabeb20df9af8ee449f9fbd2a267.jpg)
